Akron Children’s celebrates the graduating pediatric residency class of 2026

Dr. Kelsey Johnson-Nibling

Akron Children’s is proud to celebrate the pediatric residency class of 2026 as they complete an important chapter in their medical careers.

Residency is a time that is both challenging and rewarding. It requires resilience, teamwork and a deep commitment to patient care.

Over the past three years, these physicians have grown into confident pediatricians – shaped by the people who supported them along the way. As a result, they leave a lasting impact on Akron Children’s and the communities they served.

Several of them shared reflections on their training, mentorship and future plans.

Building friendships and preparing for critical care

Kelsey A. Johnson-Nibling, MD

One of the most meaningful parts of residency for Dr. Kelsey Johnson-Nibling was the strong sense of community.

“Akron Children’s has a collegial environment, from medical student to attending physician, that encourages the kind of relationships that make challenging days feel manageable and satisfying,” she said.

She credited Dr. Jonathan Pelletier for encouraging her research interests and helping her present at conferences. In addition, she thanked pediatric intensivists Dr. Zachary Goldstein, Dr. Elyssa Faigen and Dr. Meredith Broberg for preparing her for fellowship responsibilities.

“Akron Children’s provided exposure to a wide variety of specialties and complex pediatric conditions that strengthened my confidence and clinical decision-making,” she said.

After graduation, she will begin a pediatric critical care medicine fellowship at the University of Minnesota. There, she plans to continue exploring interests in pediatric cardiac critical care.

Dr. Stephanie Bou-Anak

Finding joy and mentorship in residency

Stephanie Bou-Anak, MD

“Residency is tough, but having incredible co-residents and faculty made even the most difficult days manageable,” Dr. Stephanie Bou-Anak said.

From the creative teaching moments, supportive co-residents and the friendships formed through long shifts and shared experiences, Dr. Bou-Anak said Akron Children’s became a second home during residency.

She expressed gratitude to the faculty members who guided her. In particular, pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Kevin Watson, whose mentorship inspired her interest in pediatric gastroenterology (GI).

The hospital’s broad clinical exposure and strong GI program helped spark her passion for the specialty early in training. Because of that, she plans to pursue a future in GI medicine.

Next year, she will remain at Akron Children’s as a chief resident while applying to pediatric GI fellowships.

“It feels full circle to stay in a place that has shaped so much of my training,” she said.

Dr. Adrianna White

Returning home to serve the community

Adrianna White, MD

“Residency is challenging, but the education, encouragement and mentorship from everyone throughout the hospital made my experience truly special,” said Dr. White.

Likewise, she described the hospital’s close-knit environment and strong support system as highlights of her residency experience. She credited much of her growth to the mentorship of pediatrician Dr. Erin Spies, who served as her clinic preceptor throughout training.

“Her dedication to both her patients and my education has been invaluable,” Dr. White said. “She taught me empathy, compassion and countless clinical skills that shaped me into the physician I am today.”

Having been connected to Akron Children’s since her undergraduate education, Dr. White said the organization has supported her at every stage of her journey. Now, she is preparing for the next chapter of her career.

After graduation, she will remain with Akron Children’s as a general pediatrician in Austintown. She looks forward to caring for children and families in her hometown community.

Dr. Vandana (Anu) Chaudhary

Pursuing a future in neonatology

Anu Chaudhary, DO

“My favorite aspect of residency was the people I was surrounded by, including my co-residents, attendings and the community at Akron Children’s,” said Dr. Chaudhary. “The relationships and memories I have formed over the past three years are irreplaceable.”

Dr. Chaudhary said those friendships helped shape her both personally and professionally.

She expressed special gratitude for her Resident Education in a Community Site (RECS) preceptor, pediatrician Dr. Margaret Pfeffer.

“Dr. Pfeffer has been supportive, encouraging and motivating,” Dr. Chaudhary said. “She trusted my medical judgment and decision-making skills and helped me grow from intern year through graduation.”

“Akron Children’s provided outstanding preparation for my future career through exposure to high-acuity pediatric care and a wide variety of medical conditions,” she said. “The experience strengthened my leadership, communication and clinical decision-making skills.”

After graduation, she will head to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital to pursue a neonatology fellowship.

Dr. Sumedha Medicherla

Pursuing a career in pediatric hospital medicine

Sumedha Medicherla, DO

Dr. Sumedha Medicherla said the relationships she built during residency were, “My safe space on my hardest days and my biggest cheerleaders on my best ones.”

She expressed special gratitude to pediatric hospitalist Dr. Kathryn Mansel and pediatrician Dr. Natalie Jedacek for their mentorship.

“Dr. Mansel supported me from my very first day of residency. She helped me grow in inpatient pediatric medicine, research and the fellowship application process,” she said. “Dr. Jedacek played a huge role in building my confidence as a pediatrician, especially when it comes to patient interviews, ear exams and trying to describe rashes!

“I feel really lucky to have had both of them as role models throughout residency,” she added.

Dr. Medicherla said her time at Akron Children’s strengthened her communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills while reinforcing the importance of compassionate, collaborative pediatric care. She added that her inpatient experiences ultimately led her to discover a passion for pediatric hospital medicine.

After graduation, she will pursue a two-year pediatric hospital medicine fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.

Looking ahead

Akron Children’s congratulates all of its graduating residents and looks forward to seeing the impact they will continue to have on pediatric medicine.

Below is a complete list of this year’s graduating class and their future plans: